Top 10 European Universities for Indian Students

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Nidhi Goyal

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When it comes to higher education, Europe has always been a dream destination for Indian students. With its centuries-old institutions, world-class research opportunities, unique classes tailored to modern industries, and multicultural environment, European universities offer an unmatched academic experience. Many Indian students choose to attend top European schools each year because many European countries (like Germany and France) offer lower tuition compared to the U.S. They get good scholarship options, and the chance to learn many languages and cultures.

This blog post covers the best European universities, popular programs, and notable features. It also includes required documents for studying in Europe, the perks of attending the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, and the benefits of EU education.

Why Choose European Universities?

Before we get to the list, let's talk about why Europe is an excellent place for Indian students to study.

• Global Reputation: Europe is home to some of the best European universities, as shown by their consistent rankings in QS and Times Higher Education lists.
• Affordable Tuition: Many countries in the EU, such as Germany and France, provide international students with low or even no tuition fees.
• Variety of Courses: From traditional disciplines like law and medicine to unique classes in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and cultural studies, there’s something for everyone.
• Career Opportunities: Due to strong economies, the presence of international companies, and the availability of work permits for graduates, Indian students can easily transition from school to jobs.
• Travel & Culture: One of the perks of studying in the EU is the ease of travel – a single Schengen visa lets you visit 27 countries.

Top 10 European Universities for Indian Students

Here’s the curated list of the most popular and good European universities Indian students should consider:

University of Oxford (United Kingdom)

Although the UK is no longer in the EU, Oxford remains one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, it consistently ranks among the best European universities. It offers over 250 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across humanities, sciences, business, and medicine.

• Why Oxford? Cutting-edge research, personalised tutorials, and a vast alumni network.
• Popular Courses: Law, Computer Science, Medicine, Philosophy, Economics.
• Unique Classes: PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics), a course tailored to future leaders.
• Tuition Fee: £27,840–£44,240 approximately, depending on the course. In INR, this is ₹29–46 lakhs per year for most undergraduate programs.

University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)

Cambridge, a place of serious learning and rich history, is a top choice for Indian students. The university has a history of academic excellence and is known for its many Nobel Prize winners and groundbreaking contributions to science.

• Why Cambridge? Strong STEM programs, research-driven environment, and state-of-the-art labs.
• Popular Courses: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business, Literature.
• Highlight: Cambridge Judge Business School is ranked among the top globally.

University of Europe for Applied Sciences (Germany)

A rising favourite among European universities for international students, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences offers hands-on learning, modern curricula, and global exposure. With a legacy of 25 years, this university has stood for innovation, international collaboration, and practice-oriented learning—grown with our students, faculty, alumni, and partners worldwide.

• Why UE? Known for practical and applied learning approaches, especially in creative fields.
• Popular Courses: Business, Psychology, Data Science, Game Design, and Digital Marketing.
• Highlight: Strong focus on preparing students for international careers with real-world industry collaborations.

ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Switzerland)

ETH Zurich, a prestigious school in science and tech, is one of the top-ranked universities in Europe. Alumni include Albert Einstein, adding to its legacy of innovation.

• Why ETH Zurich? Strong focus on STEM fields and cutting-edge research in AI, robotics, and climate sciences.
• Popular Courses: Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science.
• Unique Classes: Interdisciplinary projects in robotics and sustainability.

Sorbonne University (France)

Located in Paris, Sorbonne University is well-known for its programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences. As one of Europe's oldest universities, it blends classic methods with modern research approaches.

• Why Sorbonne? Multilingual programs and research-driven education in the heart of Paris.
• Popular Courses: Arts, Medicine, Humanities, Engineering.
• Unique Feature: Rich cultural immersion alongside academic learning.

Heidelberg University (Germany)

Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university, attracts many Indian students, especially those in medicine and the sciences.

• Why Heidelberg? Strong focus on research and innovation.
• Popular Courses: Medicine, Life Sciences, Law, Philosophy.
• Unique Classes: Cutting-edge cancer research programs.

Lund University (Sweden)

Lund University, one of the good European universities, stands out because of its international community and focus on research. As one of the largest universities in Scandinavia, it has over 40,000 students. It is famous for its unique combination of traditional student organisations, academic societies and student unions.

• Why Lund? Affordable tuition compared to many other EU countries, with a thriving student city.
• Popular Courses: Environmental Studies, Engineering, and International Relations.
• Highlight: Focus on sustainability and innovation.

University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)

The University of Amsterdam is known for its modern way of teaching, leading research institution, and diverse international community, and it has more than 200 programs taught in English.

• Why Amsterdam? Affordable living, central location in Europe, and strong global rankings.
• Popular Courses: Business, Economics, Media Studies, and Artificial Intelligence.
• Highlight: Top-ranked in social sciences and communication.

Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)

Located right in Dublin, Ireland, Trinity College stands out as a top-tier university, not just in Ireland but across Europe. It's known for its high academic standards and history, dating back to 1592, which gives it a unique atmosphere.

• Why Trinity? English-speaking programs, with affordable tuition compared to the U.K.
• Popular Courses: Computer Science, Literature, Law, Business.
• Unique Feature: Access to Dublin’s growing tech hub.

University of Copenhagen (Denmark)

Copenhagen University is one of the most respected European universities for research and innovation. It has 5,000 researchers and 36,500 students, creating a global atmosphere for learning and research. It consistently scores well on international university rankings.

• Why Copenhagen? Affordable tuition, strong focus on sustainability and life sciences.
• Popular Courses: Medicine, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Theology.
• Unique Classes: Interdisciplinary studies in sustainability and global health.

>>Read More: What Happens If You Overstay Your Schengen Visa?

Courses Offered by European Universities

When studying in the EU, Indian students can access an incredible variety of programs:

• STEM Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics.
• Humanities & Arts: Literature, History, Linguistics, Fine Arts.
• Business & Management: MBA, Marketing, International Business.
• Specialised Fields: Game Design, Sustainability Studies, Biotechnology, Renewable Energy.

This diversity ensures that whether you want a traditional subject or something innovative, European universities for international students have it covered.

Required Documents for Studying in Europe

When you're thinking about studying in Europe, getting ready is key. Here's a simple look at what documents you'll need.

• Valid Passport
• Academic Transcripts & Certificates
• Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) or local language tests
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• CV/Resume
• Proof of Funds or Bank Statements
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Student Visa Application Form

Pro Tip: Along with these documents, do not forget to purchase student travel insurance while travelling abroad. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, loss of baggage, and other unexpected events during your stay in Europe. This ensures peace of mind while focusing on your studies.

Benefits of Studying in the EU for Indian Students

Studying in Europe presents a range of distinctive benefits when compared to other locations around the globe. Let’s discuss them:

• Lower Cost: In Germany, France, and Nordic countries, many public universities have very low tuition fees.
• Work While Studying: Most EU countries allow part-time work (15–20 hours/week).
• Post-Study Opportunities: Post-study work permits can give you access to job markets in the EU, though rules differ by country.
• Networking: Exposure to diverse cultures, global perspectives, and lifelong international connections.

Tips for Indian Students Planning to Study in Europe

If you are an Indian student looking to complete your higher education in Europe, here are some things that you should keep in mind:

• Check Language Requirements: Some courses are taught in English, but for others, you need to know the local language.
• Look for Scholarships: Institutions like DAAD (Germany) and Erasmus+ (EU) offer funding opportunities.
• Prepare for Cultural Adaptation: Life in Europe can be quite rewarding, yet it comes with its own set of adjustments. Being open to changes in food, weather, and way of life is important.
• Visa & Work Permits: Understand the visa requirements of your chosen country, including post-study work options.

Final Thoughts

For Indian students seeking academic success, global experience, and career advancement, European universities are a great option. The continent offers a range of choices, from well-known schools like Oxford and ETH Zurich to innovative places like the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, ensuring there's something for everyone.

With reasonable tuition, a variety of programs, and a lively cultural scene, European universities offer international students many opportunities. All you need is the right preparation and the essential documents to begin your journey toward success. However, as you prepare to join, don’t forget to buy travel insurance from Care Health Insurance. A good travel plan not only helps with visa approvals but also safeguards your academic journey abroad. 

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.